They held just over one-third of the possession, generating very few goal scoring opportunities, but taking advantage of a Fulham team themselves unable to mount meaningful pressure, West Ham United has gotten their first away win of the season. Two goals from Carlton Cole and a match-winner from Frederic Piquionne turned-around an early Aaron Hughes opener, giving the Hammers a 3-1 win at Craven Cottage.
Fulham Vs. West Ham United: Carlton Cole Brace Sees Hammers To First Away Win
Hughes' opener came in the 11th minute, mark the high point of an initial 35 minutes that saw the Cottagers control the match. Patient play from Danny Murphy, Zoltan Gera, Simon Davies and Clint Dempsey saw Fulham limit West Ham's time on the ball. But a lack of scoring chances came back to bite the Cottagers when a Dickson Etuhu giveaway gave West Ham a late first half equalizer. When Piquionne redirected home a Scott Parker cross late in the half, West Ham had the lead.
In the second half, West Ham adjusted their two striker formation, played Piquionne in a deeper role, and settled into a more conservative approach. Fulham was able to maintain possession, but aside from a late chance for substitute Eddie Johnson, Fulham never gave the West Ham supporters reason to gasp. By that time, Carlton Cole was on a brace, putting West Ham up 3-1, what would ultimately be the final score.
The win moves West Ham to 18th place, with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Wigan Athletic having chances to pass them later today. The Hammers' 16 points equal Fulham's total, with the Cottagers' goal difference keeping them above West Ham.
That distinction is unlikely to aid Mark Hughes, the Fulham manager, a man who is sure to come under fire in the following days. Whispers about Hughes’ job security have been circulating as the Cottagers dropped closer to the drop. Now with a chance to be in the bottom three by weekend’s close, Hughes will have cause for concern, particularly given the job status of Martin Jol, the former Ajax manager who, almost hired this summer by Fulham, is out of work.
See More:
